Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a compounded, low-dose formulation of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone. At lower dosages, it works differently than standard naltrexone—modulating the immune system and reducing chronic inflammation. It is used off-label for a range of conditions including autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and mood disorders. At low doses, LDN temporarily blocks opioid receptors, which causes the body to upregulate endorphin production—creating lasting anti-inflammatory and immune-calming effects.
How does it work
Low Dose Naltrexone functions through transient opioid receptor blockade, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response:
- Endorphin Modulation
- By briefly blocking opioid receptors, LDN prompts the brain to increase production of endorphins like β-endorphin and met-enkephalin, which can reduce inflammation and modulate immune function.
- Immune Regulation
- LDN downregulates inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and upregulates regulatory T-cells. This makes it beneficial for autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, MS, Crohn’s, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Neurological Support
- LDN also interacts with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) on microglia, calming neuroinflammation. This may improve pain, fatigue, and mood in fibromyalgia, CFS/ME, and depression.
Benefits
- Balances immune response in autoimmune disorders
- Reduces inflammation and chronic pain
- Improves sleep, mood, and cognitive clarity
- Lowers fatigue and flare severity
- Non-addictive and well tolerated long term
- May improve thyroid antibody levels in Hashimoto’s
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) help with?
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Autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s, MS, Lupus)
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Chronic pain & fibromyalgia
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Inflammatory conditions (Crohn’s, arthritis)
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Chronic fatigue, brain fog, low mood
What are the possible side effects of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?
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Common (initial/transient):
- Vivid dreams or sleep disturbances (typically improve in 7–10 days)
- Mild headache or nausea
- Temporary increase in autoimmune symptoms (rare, resolves)
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Less Common:
- Anxiety or mood changes
- Restlessness at night
- Hypothyroid symptoms if thyroid dose isn’t adjusted (in Hashimoto’s)
Note: LDN should not be taken with opioid pain medications, as it may block their effect.
